Beyond Lazy Days: What to Do in Boracay

Boracay to me is an island great for just relaxing around the beach. No pressure. Just a dose of sun, sea and sand that’s perfect for the soul. But for people whose butts couldn’t stay put in only one place (yes, I’m talking to you my dear friends Mimie and Kris), there’s more to Boracay than lazing around the turquoise waters.

Mt. Luho Viewpoint

It was a struggle for us to get there, but we finally made it on top. Here is the destination for ATV and buggy car riders.

Mt. Luho Viewpoint

We climbed the stairs to the view deck, admiring the seascape from down below. This is where you see the entirety of Boracay Island. Bulabog Beach is right in front of you, and on the opposite side of the island, the famous White Beach. Tiny white dots – hotel and tourism-related buildings – engulf most of the island’s southern tip. Oh, the uncontrolled growth that tourism brings.

A golf course stood on another portion, one that you wouldn’t notice when you are on ground level. The varying shades of blue took most part of our vista, and you would realize how tiny this island was. But at the same time, you would see the stark difference between the south and the north. The northern part of the island is still barely touched, whereas the southern tip is brimming with establishments.

Boracay’s northern land

The wind frightfully blew its might just as we were on top, so strongly that you begin to wonder how structurally sound this platform is. Before exiting the grounds, visit the small area where they keep animals.

How to get there: Ride any tricycle from town, P200 one way for up to 5 people. Or ride the ATV or buggy car if you wish (but I don’t recommend).

Entrance fee: P120 per head

Water Sports in Bulabog Beach

Don’t worry, it’s not another beach to laze around. Here is where hundreds of thrill-seekers go, at least during the habagat season when the waves are too strong out in White Beach. Think of any water sport and they have it here – parasailing, banana boat, fly fishing, jet skiing or helmet diving. Be forewarned though: haggling is necessary!

Bulabog Beach

How to get there: Ride any tricycle from town, P60 for a special trip (up to 5 people). On your way back, fare rises to P75.

Paraw Sailing at White Beach

Let the saltwater splash on your bodies while the sailboats ride the waves. Just before sunset, hundreds of these indigenous sailboats play at the vast expanse of sea, allowing visitors to see the entire stretch of White Beach. It would have been perfect for sunset, but luck was not on our side as it was overcast that day.

Paraw Sailing at White Beach

Seafood trip at D’ Talipapa

The mechanics were simple: buy the freshest catch and bring them to the restaurants to have those cooked. Here is where foreigners try shopping from the wet market, and vendors even speak a little Chinese to catch their attention!

D Talipapa seafood

We went to D’ Talipapa two nights in a row, indulging in shrimps in garlic butter sauce, calamares, and chili crabs from Natalia’s Kusina on the first night and feasting on shrimps in garlic butter sauce and chili crabs again, this time with grilled stuffed squid and fish in tausi sauce from Mica’s Kitchen Cooking on the following night. I would say I liked Natalia’s dishes more, but the service at Mica’s was great.

Natalia’s Kusina

Mica’s Kitchen Cooking

*If ubiquitous souvenir shopping is your thing, D’ Talipapa is the place to be. Magnets, keychains and shirts were sold in shops just around the wet market. And they are not outrageously priced.

Souvenir shopping at D Talipapa

How to get there: Walk from White Beach, or ride a tricycle.

Craving for more action? Jump into the waters at Ariel’s Point, or eat chori burgers and sip those cold fruit shakes. Get a henna tattoo, have your hair braided or get a massage by the White Beach shore. Or enjoy a game of football with locals.